Description
This classic brownie recipe delivers rich, fudgy brownies with a perfect balance of chocolate flavor and a tender crumb. Featuring a simple combination of cocoa, sugar, and butter with optional chocolate chips and nuts, these brownies bake up beautifully in just 20 minutes for a quick and satisfying homemade treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- ½ cup margarine or butter
- ¼ cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- ⅛ cup chocolate chips
- ⅛ cup chopped walnuts and/or pecans
Instructions
- Melt and mix base ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ½ cup of margarine or butter. Once melted, add ¼ cup sifted cocoa powder and 1 cup granulated sugar. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Remove the saucepan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for 5-10 minutes to prevent cooking the eggs. Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing quickly after each addition to incorporate without scrambling. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and stir well.
- Incorporate dry ingredients: Stir in ½ cup all-purpose flour and ½ teaspoon salt until fully blended and smooth, with no lumps remaining.
- Prepare baking pan: Lightly spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with non-stick spray or line the bottom with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Pour batter and add toppings: Pour the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the top with ⅛ cup chocolate chips and ⅛ cup chopped walnuts and/or pecans if using.
- Bake: Place the pan in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool and serve: Allow the brownies to cool in the pan before slicing into 16 pieces and serving.
Notes
- Cooling the cocoa and butter mixture before adding eggs prevents the eggs from scrambling.
- Using parchment paper makes removal and cleanup easier.
- For fudgier brownies, slightly underbake by a minute or two.
- Feel free to adjust the quantity or type of nuts according to your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
